Lawmaker calls for review of sex offender laws after Cherish Perrywinkle's death

Matt Dixon

Tuesday

Jun 25, 2013 at 5:15 PM

TALLAHASSEE | In the wake of last week's slaying of 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle, state Rep. Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach, wants the Duval County legislative delegation to review state laws related to sexual offenders.

Donald James Smith, 56, of Jacksonville has been charged with Cherish's slaying. His arrest came 10 hours after Cherish's mom reported her missing from a Walmart on Lem Turner Road.

Smith is a registered sex offender. He faced charges in 2009 for impersonating a Department of Children and Services officer and making obscene and threatening calls to a 9-year-old. Smith had been released from jail May 31.

Database: Search for Florida sex offenders and predators

"It is my intent to ensure that the Duval delegation take action in reviewing the current laws that relate to sexual offenders and make the necessary changes to help ensure our children are protected from those that would cause them harm," Adkins said. Issues she highlighted for review include sentencing, community control, treatment and housing options for convicted sex offenders.

During a stop in Jacksonville on Monday, Gov. Rick Scott told reporters he is open to a review.

"In [a] )case like this, you always review it," the governor said, "but the first thing you need to think about is the family."

As a mother of two, Adkins said the case hit close to home.

"My heart is broken for the family of Cherish Perrywinkle and those she has left behind," she said.

matt.dixon@jacksonville.com, (352) 233-0777

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